U.S. patent application number 13/546302 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for trace detection media cartridges and kits.
This patent application is currently assigned to DSA DETECTION LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Abiy Eshetu, David J. Rutter. Invention is credited to Abiy Eshetu, David J. Rutter.
Application Number | 20140014537 13/546302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48877538 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140014537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eshetu; Abiy ; et
al. |
January 16, 2014 |
TRACE DETECTION MEDIA CARTRIDGES AND KITS
Abstract
Trace detection media cartridges and kits to facilitate trace
detection of contraband. A cartridge may store consumables to
prevent contamination and may also aid in the dispensing of
consumables. A housing may hold a consumables cartridge and further
prevent spoilage, such as with a self-closing lid. A trace
detection kit may include a housing and at least one cartridge
storing consumables.
Inventors: |
Eshetu; Abiy; (Arlington,
MA) ; Rutter; David J.; (North Andover, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Eshetu; Abiy
Rutter; David J. |
Arlington
North Andover |
MA
MA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DSA DETECTION LLC
North Andover
MA
|
Family ID: |
48877538 |
Appl. No.: |
13/546302 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 ;
206/459.5; 206/515; 206/525; 29/592 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/0453 20130101;
G01N 2001/028 20130101; G01N 2001/022 20130101; Y10T 29/49
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 ;
206/525; 206/459.5; 206/515; 29/592 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/24 20060101
B65D081/24; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02; B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A consumables kit, comprising: a cartridge configured to receive
trace detection consumables; at least one trace detection
consumable within the cartridge; and a cartridge housing
constructed and arranged to receive the cartridge.
2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a self-closing
lid.
3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the self-closing lid comprises a
gasket configured to promote a substantially air-tight seal.
4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a shelf
configured to hold dispensed consumables.
5. The kit of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a mount
configured to removably secure the housing to an external
surface.
6. The kit of claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises a protective
barrier configured to prevent contamination, spoilage, or
degradation of the plurality of trace detection consumables.
7. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a dispenser configured to
facilitate use of the trace detection consumables by an
operator.
8. The kit of claim 7, wherein the dispenser comprises a
re-sealable cover.
9. The kit of claim 1, comprising first and second trace detection
consumables within the cartridge, wherein the first trace detection
consumable is different from the second trace detection
consumable.
10. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a second consumables
cartridge.
11. The kit of claim 9, further comprising indicia to facilitate
differentiation between the first and second trace detection
consumables by an operator.
12. A consumables cartridge, comprising: a container constructed
and arranged to receive a plurality of trace detection consumables;
and a dispenser to facilitate access to the trace detection
consumables.
13. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the container comprises a
barrier configured to prevent contamination, spoilage, or
degradation of the trace detection consumables.
14. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the container is configured
to receive different types of trace detection consumables.
15. The cartridge of claim 12, further comprising a coding system
configured to facilitate identification of the trace detection
consumables.
16. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein a shape of the container is
configured to mate with a corresponding shape of a cartridge
housing.
17. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the container is further
configured to nest with a second cartridge.
18. A method of facilitating contraband trace detection,
comprising: providing a trace detection consumables cartridge
including a plurality of trace detection consumables; and providing
instructions to insert the consumables cartridge into a consumables
cartridge housing.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing the
consumables cartridge housing.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing
instruction for dispensing the trace detection consumables.
Description
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0001] One or more aspects relate generally to the trace detection
of contraband, such as illicit narcotics and/or explosives and,
more particularly, to trace detection media cartridges and kits to
facilitate sample collection for testing or verification of trace
detection instruments.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Contraband detection is an essential element of many
security programs. It is imperative that contraband, including
narcotics and explosives, be identified and contained before it is
trafficked or otherwise used for unlawful purposes such as
terrorism. Contraband detection is crucial for homeland security,
particularly in the transportation sector. For example, the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has mandated the use
of explosives and narcotics trace detection (ETD) equipment to
screen passengers and baggage as part of an approved security
program. Contraband detection techniques generally involve sample
collection and the subsequent analysis thereof.
SUMMARY
[0003] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to
trace detection media containers and facilitate contraband trace
detection. Trace detection media, known as trace detection
consumables, or simply consumables, may be used to collect trace
chemical samples from objects and for testing the collected samples
for the presence of substances such as explosives and/or illicit
drugs. Consumables may also be used to calibrate trace
detection/analysis systems and/or verify that such systems are
working properly. Consumables are known to degrade, spoil, and
become contaminated during trace detection, which presents an
obstacle to efficient contraband detection activities.
[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there
is provided a consumables kit comprising a cartridge configured to
receive trace detection consumables. The cartridge contains at
least one trace detection consumable. The kit further comprises a
cartridge housing constructed and arranged to receive the
cartridge.
[0005] In accordance with some embodiments, the housing comprises a
self closing lid.
[0006] In accordance with some embodiments, the self-closing lid
comprises a gasket configured to promote a substantially air-tight
seal.
[0007] In accordance with some embodiments, the housing comprises a
shelf configured to hold dispensed-consumables.
[0008] In accordance with some embodiments, the housing includes a
mount configured to removably secure the housing to an external
surface.
[0009] In accordance with some embodiments, the cartridge comprises
a protective barrier configured to prevent contamination, spoilage,
or degradation of the plurality of trace detection consumables.
[0010] In accordance with some embodiments, the kit further
comprises a dispenser configured to facilitate use of the trace
detection consumables by an operator.
[0011] In accordance with some embodiments, the dispenser comprises
a re-sealable cover.
[0012] In accordance with some embodiments, the kit comprises first
and second trace detection consumables within the cartridge,
wherein the first trace detection consumable is different than the
second trace detection consumable.
[0013] In accordance with some embodiments, the kit comprises a
second consumables cartridge.
[0014] In accordance with some embodiments, the kit comprises
indicia to facilitate differentiation between the first and second
trace detection consumables by an operator.
[0015] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there
is provided a consumables cartridge comprising a container
constructed and arranged to receive a plurality of trace detection
consumables and a dispenser to facilitate access to the trace
detection consumables.
[0016] In accordance with some embodiments, the container comprises
a barrier configured to prevent contamination, spoilage, or
degradation of the trace detection consumables.
[0017] In accordance with some embodiments, the container is
configured to receive different types of trace detection
consumables.
[0018] In accordance with some embodiments, the cartridge further
comprises a coding system configured to facilitate identification
of the trace detection consumables.
[0019] In accordance with some embodiments, the shape of the
container is configured to mate with a corresponding shape of a
cartridge housing.
[0020] In accordance with some embodiments, the container is
configured to nest with a second cartridge.
[0021] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
method of facilitating contraband detection is provided comprising
providing a trace detection consumables cartridge including a
plurality of trace detection consumables and providing instructions
to insert the consumables cartridge into a consumables cartridge
housing.
[0022] In accordance with some embodiments, the method comprises
providing the consumables cartridge housing.
[0023] In accordance with some embodiments, the method comprises
providing instructions for dispensing the trace detection
consumables.
[0024] Still other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these
exemplary aspects and embodiments are discussed in detail below.
Embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with other embodiments
in any manner consistent with at least one of the principles
disclosed herein, and references to "an embodiment," "some
embodiments," "an alternate embodiment," "various embodiments,"
"one embodiment" or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive
and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic described may be included in at least one
embodiment. The appearances of such terms herein are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed
below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not
intended to be drawn to scale. The figures are included to provide
illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and
embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limits
of the invention. Where technical features in the figures, detailed
description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the
reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of
increasing the intelligibility of the figures and description. In
the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is
illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral.
For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in
every figure. In the figures:
[0026] FIG. 1A presents a top perspective view of a cartridge in
accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 1B presents a bottom perspective view of a cartridge in
accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0028] FIG. 1C presents a top view of a cartridge in accordance
with one or more embodiments;
[0029] FIGS. 2A and 2B present perspective views of a cartridge
with a dispensing mechanism in accordance with one or more
embodiments;
[0030] FIGS. 3A-3C present perspective views of cartridge housings
in accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0031] FIG. 4A presents a kit in an unassembled state in accordance
with one or more embodiments;
[0032] FIG. 4B presents a top view of components of an unassembled
kit in accordance with one or more embodiments; and
[0033] FIG. 4C presents a kit in an assembled state in accordance
with one or more embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] One or more embodiments relate generally to contraband trace
detection. In trace detection, it is critical that samples be
accurately collected and analyzed. It is therefore essential that
trace detection media remains free of contaminants. Additionally,
trace detection media may spoil over time and precautions must be
taken to ensure that detection media remains viable. Contaminated
and/or spoiled media presents an obstacle to the detection of
contraband. One or more embodiments may confer particular
advantages over conventional trace detection methods and products.
Some embodiments may involve a trace detection kit that helps
ensure that sample media does not become contaminated or spoiled.
Other embodiments may involve a sample media cartridge that
provides particular advantages over conventional media containers.
Such a cartridge may advantageously cooperate with a trace
detection kit to facilitate dispensing of consumables for sample
collection. The embodiments disclosed herein may augment the
effectiveness of contraband trace detection by improving the ease
with which an operator may obtain a sample and by ensuring the
efficacy of such samples. Thus, one or more embodiments may enhance
trace detection capabilities, leading to an overall improvement in
various security operations.
[0035] The collection of trace samples from objects to test for the
presence of contraband, such as explosives or illicit drugs, has
become a concern in recent years, especially in environments such
as airports or other transportation hubs. It is believed that the
testing of suspect packages or other objects for the presence of
contraband may serve to deter the trafficking of drugs and/or
explosives, as well as their use for unlawful purposes such as
terrorism.
[0036] Contraband may include, for example, explosives, narcotics,
or any other substance of concern. Contraband detection may involve
any method for detecting trace amounts of contraband. In at least
some trace detection techniques, test samples are collected on
swabs of trace detection media. Samples may be in the form of
solids, liquids, gels or gases. In some embodiments, once a sample
has been collected, it may be transferred to an analysis/detection
system to test for the presence of contraband. Appropriate test
systems may include, for example, gas chromatographs, mass
spectrometers, Fourier transform infrared spectrometers, ion trap
mobility spectrometers, ion mobility spectrometers, and other
systems known in the art for the analysis and identification of
trace samples of materials. In some instances, the testing system
may heat the sample to vaporize contraband particles and/or liquids
which may be present and analysis may then be performed upon the
vapor. There are many commercially available trace detectors, such
as instruments available from Smiths Detection and Morpho Detection
(Safran Morpho) to detect various types of contraband. In other
methods, a chemical solution which reacts by, for example, changing
color in the presence of a particular compound of interest may be
used to test for the presence of that compound on a swab. The
chemical solution may be added to a swab prior to sampling an
object with the swab, or may be applied to a swab after a sample
has been collected on the swab.
[0037] Contraband detection may therefore use trace detection
media. Trace detection media may be recognized or known in the art
as consumables, swabs, sample traps or by other terminology, all of
which may be used interchangeably herein. Consumables may include
any trace detection media capable of use with a trace detection
device to provide detection of trapped traces of contraband.
Consumables may be capable of trapping and facilitating detection
of explosives, narcotics, or other substances. Consumables may
further be capable of detecting more than one type of contraband.
For collecting a sample, a swab or consumable may be mounted on a
hand held testing wand to facilitate sampling of a suspect object
by an operator. Testing wands may expose a portion of a swab for
contact with a suspect object while retaining the swab by securing
another portion of the swab to a portion of the testing wand. Some
embodiments of testing wands may include a vacuum system configured
to draw vapor through the swab. In other methods, a swab may be
wiped across a surface of an object of interest by hand without the
use of a testing wand.
[0038] Consumables may be formed from a sheet of substrate
material. The substrate material may be, for example, paper, a
fabric such as cotton or polyester, a polymer such as polyimide,
polyamide, or polytetrafluoroethylene, or in some examples, a
screen or mesh of fiberglass, or of a metal such as stainless
steel. In some trace detection methods, a sample is transferred
from a surface of an object of interest onto a consumable by wiping
the swab over a portion of the surface of the object. In other
methods, a vapor emanating from an object of interest, and/or air
that is blown across a surface of the object is directed onto a
consumable where particulates and/or vapors may be trapped. In some
methods, a vacuum generator is utilized to pull gas containing
vapors and/or suspended particulates from the object of interest
into the consumable. In instances where it is desired to collect
samples by passing potentially contaminated air through the
consumable, the consumable may be sufficiently porous to provide
for passage of air through the consumable yet sufficiently thick to
collect a desired amount of sample material to test.
[0039] Consumables may be impregnated with one or more materials,
for example, activated carbon, which may enhance the ability of the
consumable to collect materials of interest. Consumables may be
used for sampling or for calibration or verification. Consumables
for sampling may include various components which may depend on the
type of contraband to be detected. Other consumables may include
trace detection media pre-contaminated with a known concentration
of one or more substances of interest to serve in instrument
verification and calibration. Such consumables may be transferred
into a trace detection device to verify that the detector produces
an output consistent with expected values given the known
concentration of contaminants pre-loaded on the consumable. These
consumables may thus be used to calibrate a trace detection
device.
[0040] Consumables may vary in size and shape depending on the
particular function of the consumable (e.g., a sample or a
calibration consumable) and the type of contraband capable of being
trapped by the consumable. They may be round, rectangular, or any
other shape. Consumables may further vary based upon the specific
trace detection device that will receive the consumable. Thus it is
appreciated that in addition to varying in material and
composition, the geometry of consumables may also vary widely. In
at least some embodiments, consumables may be any type of sample
trap commercially available from DSA Detection, North Andover,
Mass.
[0041] Consumables may undesirably become contaminated prior to
sampling. Consumables are also subject to spoilage due to over
exposure to light and air. In accordance with one or more
embodiments, consumables may remain in a substantially air-tight,
light-controlled, temperature controlled environment. In at least
some embodiments, exposure to excessive forces and manipulations
that may harm the integrity of the consumable or otherwise result
in their degradation may be avoided.
[0042] One or more embodiments relate generally to a trace
detection consumables cartridge that may advantageously receive,
protect, and/or dispense consumables. The cartridge may be a
stand-alone consumables magazine or may be a consumables insert. In
accordance with one or more embodiments and referring to FIGS. 1A
and 1B, a trace detection consumables cartridge 100 may include a
container 110 configured to hold at least one consumable (not
shown). In some embodiments, the container 110 may hold two or more
consumables, such as a plurality of consumables. The container may
be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials include
those that do not adversely interact with the consumables. Suitable
materials further comprise materials with other desirable
characteristics, including, but not limited to, materials that are
environmentally friendly and/or recyclable, light weight, capable
of implementing a coding system based on color or other parameter,
impact resistant, durable, and cost-effective. Suitable materials
may also include those capable of being thermoformed in some
embodiments.
[0043] With reference to consumables cartridge 100, container 110
forms cavity 120A configured to receive consumables (not shown). In
accordance with one or more embodiments, a trace consumables
cartridge may advantageously be capable of accommodating one or
more consumables, such as a plurality of consumables. Container 110
may define cavity 120A such that it is capable of receiving more
than one type of consumable. The trace consumables cartridge may be
constructed and arranged to hold consumables of different
geometries or a pluralities of different consumables comprising a
single geometry. Referring to FIG. 1C, consumables cartridge 100
having cavity 120B is capable of holding consumables having a
plurality of geometries, as shown by dotted lines. Cavity 120B may
hold consumables having geometries indicated by dotted lines 130A,
130B, or 130C. Thus a single cartridge may be capable of holding a
plurality of distinct consumables in terms of one or more
parameters. For example, the cartridge may be loaded with one type
of consumable having a single geometry, or the cartridge may be
loaded with two types of consumables having the same geometry. When
loaded with two types of consumables having the same geometry, the
consumables may be separated by the particular construction and
arrangement of the cavity formed by the container. Alternatively,
more than one type of consumable, each having varied geometry, may
be capable of being loaded in a single cartridge.
[0044] In accordance with one or more embodiments of a trace
detection consumables cartridge, the cartridge may prevent
contamination or spoilage of the consumables. Contaminated and
spoiled consumables prevent proper sample collection and present an
obstacle to reliable contraband detection. In one or more
embodiments, a trace consumables cartridge containing consumables
may be substantially sealed by a cover, shrink wrap, or other known
packing materials to prevent degradation or contamination of the
consumables prior to using the cartridge to facilitate trace
detection. In accordance with one or more embodiments of a trace
detection consumables cartridge, the cartridge container may be
constructed and arranged to form a cavity capable of receiving a
plurality of consumables. The cavity may be enclosed by one or more
protective layers to prevent contamination of consumables loaded
within the cavity. These layers may provide additional safeguards
against contamination. Protective layers may provide consumables
protection when the cartridge is unwrapped from its external
protective packaging. The protective layers of one or more
embodiments are constructed and arranged to prevent contamination,
spoilage, and/or degradation of the consumables. Protective layers
may also be associated with individual consumables stored in the
cartridge.
[0045] A protective layer in accordance with one or more
embodiments may allow an operator to access the consumables to
facilitate trace detection. The protective layer may be constructed
from any suitable material and may be arranged as a flap or tuck
top that protects the consumables from contamination and spoilage
but also permits operator access. The protective layer may be
configured to seal the cavity containing consumables and thus may
reduce the likelihood of consumable contamination and/or
degradation.
[0046] In one or more embodiments and referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B,
a trace consumables cartridge 200 may be constructed and arranged
to include a dispenser 210. Dispenser 210 may cooperate with
consumables 220 contained in the cartridge. The dispenser may, for
instance, comprise a tuck top or a slit feature that allows for the
dispensing of only one consumable at a time. In some embodiments
and referring to FIG. 2B, a first consumable 220A must be extracted
from the dispensing feature before a second consumable may be
dispensed. Consumables 220B loaded in the cartridge and not yet
dispensed thus remain enclosed in the cavity of the cartridge. In
other embodiments, two or more consumables may be dispensed
simultaneously. The dispenser may also function as a protective
barrier between the undispensed consumables and contaminants,
light, and air. The dispensing feature of one or more embodiments
may thus ensure that consumables do not become exposed to
contaminants, light, or air, at least before they are dispensed
from the dispenser.
[0047] In some embodiments, the dispenser may include a re-sealable
cover capable of enclosing and sealing the cavity. When the
dispensing feature is engaged, the cover is in the open position
and allows access to the consumables contained in the cavity.
According to one or more embodiments, the dispensing feature may
cooperate with the cover to remove a consumable from the cavity.
When an operator removes the selected consumable, the dispensing
feature may automatically cause the cover to close, resealing the
consumables in the cavity. The dispensing feature may thus also
function as a protective barrier between the undispensed
consumables and contaminants, light, and air. The dispensing
feature of one or more embodiments ensures that consumables do not
become exposed to contaminants, light, or air, at least before they
are dispensed from the dispenser. In some embodiments, the
dispenser may be integral to the lid. Still, in other embodiments,
the dispenser may comprise a spring loaded element that pushes a
single consumable to the surface of a cavity.
[0048] In some embodiments of a trace consumables cartridge, the
cartridge may be constructed and arranged to improve shipping and
storing of consumables. In one or more embodiments, a trace
consumables cartridge is configured to facilitate nesting. A
nesting system, such as an embedded mating system, may allow
consumables cartridges to advantageously stack within one another,
such that the overall space occupied by a plurality of trace
consumables cartridges may be reduced. The nesting feature may
comprise a container configuration that allows the protrusion of
the cavity of a first cartridge to fit within the interior of the
cavity formed by a second cartridge container. In one or more
embodiments, the external base of the first cartridge's cavity
rests within the second cartridge's cavity, such as with
corresponding male and female structures. In one or more
embodiments, the first and second cartridges have consumables
loaded in the cavity. The consumables are sealed such that they are
protected from any contaminants present on the nesting cartridge.
In some embodiments, the whole cartridge, including the loaded
consumables, may be sealed with a protective material. The nesting
system may reduce the amount of space required to store and ship
trace consumables cartridges.
[0049] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a trace
consumables cartridge may advantageously cooperate with other
contraband detection items. In some embodiments, the cartridge may
engage with a sample wand to facilitate dispensing. In one or more
embodiments, a trace consumables cartridge may engage or cooperate
with a consumables cartridge housing. A mating system may allow the
trace consumables cartridge to be removably received by a
consumables cartridge housing. The feature may, for instance,
comprise structural elements incorporated into the cartridge
container that allow the cartridge to be received by the housing.
The housing may comprise complimentary structural elements, for
example male and female structures, such that the cartridge and
housing can cooperate with one another. Such structures may include
hole punches, for instance, such that the cartridge can fit over
corresponding pegs in a housing, interlocking depressions and
protrusions, or other arrangements capable of mating the cartridge
to the housing. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, cartridge depressions
440 cooperate with housing protrusions 450. Depressions 440A
cooperate with protrusions 450A and depressions 440B cooperate with
protrusions 450B to mate the cartridge with the housing. Still
other complimentary structures may include features that cause the
cartridge to mate with the housing in such a way that it locks into
place.
[0050] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a consumables
cartridge may be inserted into a housing to facilitate trace
detection of contraband. In accordance with one or more embodiments
and referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, a consumables cartridge housing 300
may be constructed and arranged to receive a trace consumables
cartridge. Referring to FIG. 3A, housing base 310 forms cartridge
enclosure 320. A consumables cartridge (not shown) may be removably
received in cartridge enclosure 320. Housing 300 may comprise lid
330A. Lid 330A may be capable of cooperating with housing base 310
to enclose cartridge enclosure 320. Lid 330A may be constructed of
translucent material to allow an operator to visually identify the
type of consumables and consumables cartridge in the housing
without having to displace lid 330A. The translucent material may
be clear or colored. Though the material may allow an operator to
see through the translucent lid, the translucent material may be
capable of preventing the degradation that may occur when
consumables are over exposed to light.
[0051] Housing 300 may reduce the likelihood that consumables
contained in the trace consumables cartridge become contaminated,
spoiled, or otherwise degraded. The housing may, for instance,
include a self closing lid that minimizes the exposure of the trace
consumables cartridge and contained consumables to surroundings.
Once an operator opens the housing lid and removes a consumable
from the cartridge, an automatic closing feature may engage to
close the lid. Referring to FIG. 3A, the automatic closing feature
may involve a spring 340. Spring 340 may communicate with lid 330A
and housing base 310. Spring 340 may cause lid 330 to automatically
close opened lid 330A. Still, other features such as a weight
mechanism or magnet mechanism may facilitate automatic closing of a
housing lid.
[0052] In some embodiments, a re-sealable cover capable of
enclosing and sealing the cavity may move. For example and
referring FIG. 3A, lid 330A may move from the horizontal, sealed
position, to the vertical, open position. In other embodiments and
referring to FIG. 3B, a re-sealable cover 330B may move along the
horizontal plane of a consumables housing base such that the cover
can be displaced. In accordance with one or more embodiments, cover
330B may be displaced to a degree that allows access to the
cartridge enclosure, and thus consumables loaded in a cartridge
received by the cartridge enclosure. After an operator removes a
selected consumable, the cover may automatically return to its
undisplaced position to re-seal the cartridge enclosure. Still, in
other embodiments and referring to FIG. 3C, a re-sealable cover
330C may define an opening 350. When cover 330C is engaged, opening
350 may not interfere with the seal of the cartridge enclosure.
When cover 330C is displaced, opening 350 may allow access to
consumables loaded in a cartridge contained in the cartridge
enclosure. After an operator removes a selected consumable, cover
330C may automatically return to its undisplaced position to
re-seal and enclose the cartridge enclosure.
[0053] A housing in accordance with one or more embodiments may
create a substantially air tight seal of the cartridge enclosure. A
cartridge housing may include a gasket. A lid may cooperate with
the gasket to create a substantially air-tight seal of the housing.
This feature may advantageously prevent contaminants from
contaminating the consumables, may reduce consumables exposure to
light and air, and may generally prevent the undesirable
degradation of the consumables.
[0054] One or more embodiments of the housing may comprise a
consumables holder. A consumables holder may generally be
constructed and arranged for holding or retaining a consumable. In
some embodiments, the consumables holder may be a small external
tray connected to the housing for the purposes of holding a
consumable. In other embodiments, a consumables holder may be a
clam shell that pinches a consumable between two plates connected
by a hinge mechanism for the purposes of retaining the consumable.
The consumables holder may hold a consumable dispensed from a trace
consumables cartridge prior to trapping a sample. Alternatively,
the consumables holder may hold a consumable that has already
trapped a sample. Additionally, the consumables holder may hold
consumables used for calibrating a trace detection device before or
after the consumables have been inserted into the machine for
calibration.
[0055] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the housing may
advantageously secure to an external surface to prevent undesirable
displacement. The displacement of consumables during sampling and
other trace detection activities presents an obstacle to efficient
contraband detection. Consumables can become displaced from their
desired location by inadvertent contact by operators, passengers,
and luggage. Displacement can result in consumables becoming out of
reach of the operator. Displacement may also result in the ejection
of consumables from a container, and may result in consumables
contamination, spoilage, and degradation. The mounting feature in
accordance with one or more embodiments may advantageously ensure
that a consumables cartridge housing, and thus the cartridge and
consumables, do not become displaced during contraband detection
activities. The mounting feature of one or more non-limiting
embodiments may involve a suction cup, a magnet, hook-and-loop
fasteners, or adhesive. Other mounting features will be readily
identified and selected by those having skill in the art. In some
embodiments, the mounting feature may be selected based on the
surface to which the housing is desired to be fixed.
[0056] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a trace
detection kit is provided to facilitate security operations. A
trace detection kit may advantageously facilitate contraband
detection by preserving and protecting consumables and increasing
the ease with which detection activities may be carried out. In
accordance with one or more embodiments and referring to FIGS. 4A
and 4C, a trace detection kit may 400 include consumables 410, a
consumables cartridge 420 constructed to hold consumables 410, and
a cartridge housing 430 constructed to receive the consumables
cartridge 420. The consumables may be pre-loaded in the cartridge.
The cartridge may accommodate one type or a variety of different
types of consumables. The cartridge may comprise protective
features to ensure that the consumables do not become contaminated,
spoiled, or otherwise degraded. The cartridge or housing may
further include a dispensing mechanism for dispensing consumables.
The dispensing mechanism may be a spring-loaded device that pushes
consumables up and/or out of cartridge cavity to facilitate
dispensing. The dispensing mechanism may also protect the
consumables. The dispensing mechanism may be configured to provide
an operator access to a consumable while protecting the remaining,
undispensed, consumables. The dispenser may also advantageously
assist an operator in procuring a desired consumable from the
consumables cartridge. The cartridge containing consumables is
received by the housing. The cartridge may advantageously cooperate
with the housing by way of a mating feature. The mating feature may
lock the consumables cartridge into place in the housing.
[0057] Aspects and embodiments of the consumables cartridge housing
of a trace detection kit may prevent or reduce contamination,
spoilage, or degradation of consumables. The housing may comprise a
self closing lid. The lid may further cooperate with a gasket to
form a substantially air tight seal of the housing. The housing may
comprise additional features to further facilitate trace detection.
The housing may, for example, comprise a consumables holder. The
consumables holder may hold a dispensed consumable before use,
after a sample is trapped and prior to insertion into a trace
detection device, or at any other point in trace detection. The
holder may improve the ease with which an operator performs trace
detection activities.
[0058] The consumables cartridge holder may comprise an external
securing mechanism that secures the housing to an external surface.
Thus, when a consumables cartridge is loaded into the housing and
trace detection is carried out by an operator, the trace detection
kit remains securely in place. The securing mechanism prevents
inadvertent movement of the kit and ensures an operator has access
to consumables.
[0059] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a coding system
may facilitate consumable use. Consumables, cartridges and/or
housings may involve a coding system, for example, one based on
color, shape or symbol, to facilitate identification of consumables
by an operator as calibration consumables, verification consumables
or sample consumables. Consumables housings may comprise
translucent lids to further facilitate the identification of the
cartridge and/or consumables in the housing. Cartridge housings may
then be dedicated to a specific type of cartridge and/or consumable
so that refills of like kind are used to avoid contamination. For
example, a housing may be dedicated to calibration cartridges and
calibration consumables or to a certain type of sample cartridge
and consumables. In other embodiments, a housing may contain a
plurality of cartridges and/or consumables to test for an array of
contraband thus serving as a comprehensive test kit. Such housing
may or may not also include calibration consumables.
[0060] In accordance with one or more embodiments, consumable use
may be facilitated by providing one or more components of a trace
detection kit. In some embodiments, one or more trace detection
media cartridges may be provided, such as a calibration cartridge
or a sample cartridge. The cartridges may be prefilled by a
manufacturer of consumables. Housings for cartridges may also be
provided along with instructions for storing the cartridges in the
housing and for proper dispensing to prevent contamination and/or
spoilage. Empty cartridges may be disposed of or recycled. Refill
cartridges may be placed into the housing by the operator. In use,
an operator may secure one or more housings in a working
environment. For example, an operator may have a first housing for
calibration cartridges and a second housing for sample cartridges.
The kit may comprise a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing
mechanism may be spring loaded such that a consumable is pushed up
and/or out of the cartridge cavity to facilitate dispensing. The
operator may first dispense a calibration consumable to test the
equipment, and may then dispense a sample consumable with which to
collect a sample for processing in the equipment.
[0061] It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the apparatus
and methods discussed herein are not limited in application to the
details of construction and the arrangement of components as set
forth in the above description or illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. The methods and apparatus are capable of implementation
in other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out
in various ways. Examples of specific implementations are provided
herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be
limiting. In particular, acts, elements and features discussed in
connection with any one or more embodiments are not intended to be
excluded from a similar role in any other embodiment.
[0062] Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any
references to embodiments or elements or acts of the apparatus and
methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace
embodiments including a plurality of these elements, and any
references in plural to any embodiment or element or act herein may
also embrace embodiments including only a single element. The use
herein of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing,"
"involving," and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items. Any references to positional or spatial orientation are
intended for convenience of description, not to limit the present
apparatus and methods or their components.
[0063] Having described above several aspects of at least one
embodiment, it is to be appreciated that various alterations,
modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled
in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are
intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be
within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing
description and drawings are by way of example only.
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